Grenade launcher and flamer infantry... how many models?

[nismogrendel]

Lately I have picked up a bit of second hand infantry.  I have:

 

18 flamers

8 grenader launchers

 

I'm trying to figure out which of these to break down to turn into lasgun troops.

 

The only time I ran grenade launchers, I wasn't too impressed.

 

I really do like flamethrowers, so I was thinking of keeping at least 10 assembled, maybe more.

 

 

In your lists, how many of each do you normally run?  I'm thinking if I keep 4 grenade launcher troops assembled I'll be ok with that.  

 

 

[CoffeeGrunt]

I often use a Platoon Command Squad of 4 Flamers, and while currently I run my Guardsmen Squads with Meltaguns, Flamers in each squad would also work very well. That'd put it up to 10 Flamers in my list, at least. :)

[Centurio]

I suggest you invest in Promethium Pipes.

 

I routinely use 2 PCSs with 4 flamers each, sometimes 3.

[nismogrendel]

Good info, If I keep 13 flamers assembled and 4 grenade launchers that gives me enough bodies to make 9 more lasgun guys.

 

Anyone ever run more than 4 grenade launchers?

[morroccomole]

Against MEQs, I prefer Grenade launchers to flamers, because the Krak option allows me to maybe kill one marine at range (per GL), versus hitting none of them with an 8" flame template before they charge my line. When I play against Orks, I usually always bring flamers, because on paper they seem good, but the same thing happens; my opponent will call a WAAAGH or roll a 10-12 for his charge and I don't get to use the flamers effectively.

 

I will admit, I don't play my infantry aggressively enough to warrant the use of flamers. It all depends on what the squad is intended for, and how you play them.

[Ulrik_Ironfist]

Because I don't have all of the proper bits (and because I have a bunch of old metal Kasrkin) I use GL dudes as generic special weapons guys. Usually I run them as counts as plasma guns. 

 

I like to put GL in regular infantry squads...

[Emicus]

Bear in mind the overwatch on flamers though, getting charged you get at least one hit. _​

[CoffeeGrunt]

Flamers are best used very aggressively. My PCS with Heavy Flamer/3 Flamers in a Chimera has saved my bacon may times. When I say, "aggressive," I mean you need to put a Dozer Blade on that baby and start crashing it into cover where your opponent's hiding. Bail the squad out and any entrenched threat is gunna be toast. Scouts, Plaguebearers, whatever. They're Objective Secured as well, so that point is at last Contested, if not temporarily yours. :)

[WarriorFish]

It's a relative thing, as it depends on how many lasgun models you have :P That does look like a lot though, 4 or so grenade launchers is a good number I think and 10 flamers should be plenty for any force :)

[RADU LYKAN]

if they are already made maybe keep some as special weapons squads? always fun to have even more special weapons?

[Ulrik_Ironfist]

Grenade Launcher SWS are an Idea I've been toying with...

[Kontakt]

Grenade launchers are an excellent support weapon for PCS or even CCS, when you need to keep them back to give orders. Their High str decent ap is usefull against MCs, light armour, etc. Their frag grenades are better than a standard frag grenade and have the bonus of longer range.

Edit: Grenade launchers are good support weapons. They also keep your points cost down from all those plasma guns.

Flamers are an aggressive weapon for standard squads, PCS, CCS and so forth. The trick here is to be appallingly aggressive, trying to get cose enough to get 5 or 6 flamer hits off at once. Not something for the guy who only brought 2 squads of vets for his troop choices in an 1850 game.

[CoffeeGrunt]

I tried them. They don't really hit with any real power but they're cheap. I'd still prefer Flamer SWS held as a counter-assault unit, though.

 

As far as giving them to a PCS/CCS, consider an Autocannon instead. For the same cost in men and points as two GLs, you get twice the range and +1S. :)

[Captain Caine 24th]

Grenade launchers can provide a nice counter on deep striking units. They may not have good AP, but they can put a lot of hits down on a tightly packed unit. Or, consider tightly packed units after an assault. For me it's rarely the lascannons that kill terminators, it's the cheap guns and lots of dice. Well, I should say this tactic has worked well on against my blood angels. When I use my guard I usually take flamers, but have had mixed results. More and more I'm considering grenade launchers. 

[Ulrik_Ironfist]

I like both, I take 2 flamers in my PCS though, since I want them in front of my HWS, so they can issue orders back to the HWS and so they can soak up a charge so the HWS can keep firing for a turn or more. 

[gomericus]

I would say it depends on what you want your special weapons to be doing and where you would be placing them ,,example I 4 grenade launchers in 2 pcs,s in a support role taking on light armour while each infantry squad has one aswell to augment their ac,s and use flamers in my rr squadrons for their speed and range. i,ve found flamers in regular squads to be a waste,as if sething has gotten close enough to use a flamer template from regular squad you're probably about to loose that squad

[SW1]

Is it me or does 18 flamers and 8 grenade launchers calls out to be 6 flamer SWS and 2 command squads with gl's?

[nismogrendel]

Is it me or does 18 flamers and 8 grenade launchers calls out to be 6 flamer SWS and 2 command squads with gl's?

 

Good ideas for the SWS, that is a section of the codex I have overlooked.  I keep buying second hand guardsmen, and almost every batch comes with a few more flamers and a few more grenade launchers. 

 

I think I'm at about 100ish lasguns now.  Need to take inventory again. 

I think 200 lasguns is a good goal, that would let me run the lists I want to try.